File photo for reference only

 

Today, Bangkok launched registration for a long-awaited 20-baht flat fare across its train networks. Although set to begin on October 1, the scheme's future hinges on Parliamentary approval of three key bills.

 

Spearheaded by the Pheu Thai Party's Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the initiative aims to alleviate living costs for Thai citizens and boost public transport use by 20%. This flat fare scheme is seen as a transformative step for the city's commuters.

 

Targeted exclusively at Thai nationals, the registration process operates via the Tang Rath application. MRT users must have EMV contactless cards, while BTS Skytrain passengers need to register further with Rabbit cards. Transport officials have reassured the public that registration, which opened at 12.01 am today, doesn't have a looming deadline, reducing the urgency to sign up promptly.

 

Despite its launch, the scheme's implementation is contingent on the approval of three essential bills: the Railway Transport Act, the Common Ticket System Management Act, and crucial amendments to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act. The latter is particularly vital, as it will determine the budget allocation needed to subsidise the policy.

 

Complications arise due to an impending court ruling on August 29. The Constitutional Court is set to decide on a case involving Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra. If the ruling results in the PM’s dismissal, it could delay or derail the initiative. The uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to an already multifaceted issue.

 

Though the government has promised a seamless transition, not all are convinced. The registration process has frustrated some citizens, who find navigating multiple systems cumbersome. Transparency and simplicity remain vital to winning public trust and ensuring widespread adoption.

 

With conversion rates considered, the 20-baht fare equals roughly 16.50 Thai Baht for residents. By easing transport costs, the government hopes to stimulate economic activity within the city and enhance access to employment opportunities.

 

The flat fare scheme represents a bold attempt to redefine Bangkok's public transport experience. However, success hinges on navigating political and legal challenges. With the countdown to October 1 underway, all eyes are on the relevant parties to clear legal hurdles and proceed towards a more accessible future for Bangkok’s commuters.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-25

 

Relax guys, for falangs it will be a much higher rate maybe ? 

8 minutes ago, SingAPorn said:

Relax guys, for falangs it will be a much higher rate maybe ? 

Actually this is a special price for Thai citizens only. Expats, tourists and other foreigners will still pay the normal price. Sad, but true.

1 minute ago, couchpotato said:

Actually this is a special price for Thai citizens only. Expats, tourists and other foreigners will still pay the normal price. Sad, but true.

Dual pricing is still going on in smaller towns like Hua Hin where the foreigner will always be charged the full rate in a restaurant, where else the thai groups will often pay less for the same order. Not surprising why more and more people a discarding Thailand as a choice for the holiday or long stay. 

The dual pricing would not bother me as much if there was truly capacity in the system to handle more users, particularly during rush hours. It is very obvious that this program is just fulfillment of a campaign promise. Watch for chaos. Also by now there should be one card which can be used across all lines. This has been repeatedly promised by successive governments since 2015.

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

With conversion rates considered, the 20-baht fare equals roughly 16.50 Thai Baht for residents.

 

I have no idea what this is trying to say, but it seems deep 🤔

I'm less annoyed about paying more than I am about the impending crowds that will be crushing me while I ride at a higher rate. If they don't increase capacity, it's going to be like riding rush hour all the time.

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Although set to begin on October 1, the scheme's future hinges on Parliamentary approval of three key bills.

 

That may well end in tears again, like the infamous "wallet" scheme.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

long-awaited 20-baht flat fare across its train networks.

 

Interesting, reminds me of the "Two Penny Tube" in London UK. (flat fare of two old pennies)

 

The Central London Railway (CLR), also known as the Twopenny Tube, was a deep-level, underground "tube" railway^{[note 1]} that opened in London in 1900. The CLR's tunnels and stations form the central section of what became London Underground's Central line. (wikipedia)

 

As the constitution says, everybody is the same - but the BTS is not a state agency so they can do whatever they want. This, of course, provided that there is no governmental subsidy somewhere nicely hidden in the secretive back of this deal 😉 

This reminds me of the government deregulation of the airline industry. It was all downhill from there on. I do not think I will get on a sky train again. 

12 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

As the constitution says, everybody is the same

Everyone Thai are the same.

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 3. Sovereign power belongs to the Thai people. 

Section 4. Human dignity, rights, liberties and equality of the people shall be protected.
The Thai people shall enjoy equal protection under the Constitution.

20 hours ago, couchpotato said:

Actually this is a special price for Thai citizens only. Expats, tourists and other foreigners will still pay the normal price. Sad, but true.

 

Not, only that. BTS and MRT will be packed even more than now. Currently transportation around Bangkok hardly bearable, imagine what will happen once tourists get squeezed out, literally.  Back to the preying mafias, and long walks in the heat and smoke. Just love it...

The back-pedaling on the start date has already begun...now it's mid-November. 

 

https://www.thaienquirer.com/58257/20-baht-flat-fare-policy-delayed-to-mid-november-amid-criticism-of-government-handling/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMaPzBjbGNrAxo-7GV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeQLPb65TRvla4O-KhLvhBMGBSNZ3qBZSxNLzLj97St1DMPHV4-6XKBrD1qIs_aem_76BV15pfEtnBHXu0le7qHQ

53 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

As the constitution says, everybody is the same - but the BTS is not a state agency so they can do whatever they want. This, of course, provided that there is no governmental subsidy somewhere nicely hidden in the secretive back of this deal 😉 

 

1) This scheme covers all electric rail lines in Bangkok, not just BTS. Some of those lines are publicly owned.

 

2) The government subsidy isn't "nicely hidden" anywhere - it's been stated very clearly from the start that this plan will be subsidized by government funds. From the OP: "The [amendment to the MRTA Act] is particularly vital, as it will determine the budget allocation needed to subsidise the policy."

You could make it free and that is not going to entice vehicle owners to get in the overcrowded sardine cans, that's just nonsense.  May even have the opposite affect as barely tolerable conditions turn worse people may choose to get a car and at least sit comfortably in traffic.   This scheme will worsen a system that already does not have enough trains to handle its current load for much of the day.  

It will make trains crowded for a while. Then Thais will say it isn't comfortable and stop using it. Then the price will rise again to account for fewer passengers.

I do not think that BTS Group Holdings has actually signed a contract comitting to the discounted subsidized fare.  They are owed billions of baht by the BMA and their investment arm and the deal is supposed to encompass that debt somehow.  I doubt it it will work out and the Green Line will likely be excluded from the program.  It will be interesting to see if I am right or wrong.  

1 hour ago, Peter Crow said:

 

Not, only that. BTS and MRT will be packed even more than now. Currently transportation around Bangkok hardly bearable, imagine what will happen once tourists get squeezed out, literally.  Back to the preying mafias, and long walks in the heat and smoke. Just love it...

 

Never been to public transit in Japan, huh?

 

2 hours ago, BuyBitcoin said:

You could make it free and that is not going to entice vehicle owners to get in the overcrowded sardine cans, that's just nonsense.  May even have the opposite affect as barely tolerable conditions turn worse people may choose to get a car and at least sit comfortably in traffic.   This scheme will worsen a system that already does not have enough trains to handle its current load for much of the day.  

To paraphrase Yogi Berra, nobody takes the train anymore, it is too crowded.